Aero Kinetics announces its partnership with GridMeNow to incorporate their mobile, real-time tracking solutions into Aero Kinetics’ newest multi-rotor vertical takeoff and land (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS). This combined effort is a significant step forward for the industry where dispatching now has the ease and efficiency necessary for reliable commercial use. Continue reading
Category Archives: Non-Military & Commercial UAS
United States Forest Service Considers UAS Technology
The U.S. Forest Service is highly interested in new technologies and believes there is potential to use Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to support a host of natural resource management activities, including forest health protection, wildfire suppression, research, recreational impacts, and law enforcement. Continue reading
Drone-Based Data Analytics Company HUVR Launches with $2 Million Funding
HUVRData LLC, a drone-based data analytics startup, has completed a $2 million Series A round of funding from angel investment organizations including Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN), Houston Angel Network (HAN) and the Texas HALO Fund. In the past 1.5 years, HUVR has built out its technology, secured the full FAA approval for its commercial drone applications, and established its value to first target markets of wind, solar, oil and gas and precision agriculture.
Unmanned Helicopter Tested for Rainwater Removal
Washington State University is partnering with Digital Harvest Corp. to test an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that could provide a safer, less expensive means to blow rainwater off cherry orchards to avoid fruit losses.
OSU Gets $6M Grant for Weather Research UAVs
The National Science Foundation has awarded Oklahoma State University and three partner universities $6 million to collaboratively develop an integrated unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to improve weather forecasting through the study of atmospheric physics. The four-year grant will support the collaboration led by OSU and including the universities of Oklahoma, Nebraska and Kentucky. Continue reading
Insitu Conducts Successful Arctic Search and Rescue Demonstrations for U.S. Coast Guard
Launching its ScanEagle unmanned aircraft from Oliktok Point at the North Slope of Alaska, Insitu conducted flight operations for the U.S. Coast Guard 13-15 July. The successful demonstration was part of the Coast Guard Research and Development Center’s Arctic Technology Evaluation 2015 Search and Rescue exercise (SAREX 2015).
Austraian Operator Begins Nation-Wide Expansion
Private drone operating firm, Australian UAV, announced this week the opening for business of its New South Wales offices. With over 1400 safe and successful flights for commercial and government clients, Australian UAV is fast establishing itself as one of the country’s most experienced civilian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators. Its existing client base includes survey, forestry, precision agriculture, industrial and natural resource management, as well as general aerial photography and filming. Continue reading
NAAA Launches UAV Safety Campaign
The National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) has launched a UAV safety campaign to raise awareness and prevent accidents between UAV operators and low-altitude manned aircraft. The first public outreach tool in the safety campaign is a UAV “safety stuffer” designed for aerial applicators to share with farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.